& Stories

Alumni news

Meet Catherine (Kiki) and Ian Delaney & The Delaney Family Foundation: Championing Creativity and Indigenous Culture Through Philanthropy

Catherine (Kiki) Delaney is a leading advocate of the arts and a cherished supporter of OCAD University. Alongside her husband Ian and the Delaney Family Foundation, Kiki has been instrumental in propelling OCAD U forward through significant philanthropic gifts totalling $5 million. This unwavering support has deeply enriched the OCAD U community and continues to inspire and shape the future of art and design education.

Meet George and Martha Butterfield: Cultivating Creativity and Community at OCAD University

George and Martha Butterfield have generously donated over $1.1 million to OCAD U. In the year 2000, after a transformative gift towards the Ideas Need Space Campaign, Butterfield Park was named in their honour. Their recent gift of $500,000 played a pivotal role in kicking off the Butterfield Park Revitalization campaign. This significant contribution underscores their dedication to creating vibrant and sustainable spaces for creativity, learning and community engagement.

Featured alumni

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Danielle-Kim
Danielle-Kim

Danielle Kim – Environmental Design

Faculty of Design

After graduating from OCAD U’s Environmental Design program in 2016, Danielle Kim is bringing her passion for functional design to life at RioCan. Her biggest takeaway from her time at OCAD U? 'Form follows function' — a design principle that guides her every step.

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Lucas-Kschischang
Lucas-Kschischang

Lucas Kschischang - Photography

Faculty of Art

Since his days in OCAD U’s photography program, Lucas Kschischang @kschischang has worked for the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and more. We followed Lucas around for a day as he captured the action as the club photographer of the Toronto FC 

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Mathew-Schoefield
Mathew-Schoefield

Mathew Schoefield – Painting

Faculty of Art

Matthew Schofield is using the skills he learned in OCAD U’s Drawing & Painting program in the digital world of TV and film VFX, entering the industry thanks to lifelong friends made during his time at OCAD U. Matthew has contributed to films such as Scott Pilgrim vs.

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Sharene-Shafie
Sharene-Shafie

Sharene Shafie – Strategic Foresight and Innovation

Faculty of Design

OCAD U alum Sharene Shafie wants you to feel empowered by growing your own food! Sharene earned her Master’s in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD U and is using her skills as Project Lead for the City of Toronto’s Climate Action Team.

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Alex McLeod
Alex McLeod

Alex McLeod – Painting

Faculty of Art

OCAD U alum Alexander McLeod (@alexander_mcleod_) thrives in crafting imaginative worlds for his clients – from concert visuals for Celine Dion and Kelly Rowland to murals at Harbourfront Centre. 

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Everett Vane
Everett Vane

Everett Vane – Advertising

Faculty of Design

After completing OCAD University's Advertising program, Everett Vane (@guccivane) co-founded func.media (@func.media), a full-service digital agency specializing in branding, web design/development, content creation, and more.

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Ethan Platt
Ethan Platt

Ethan Platt – Painting

Faculty of Art

Ethan Platt graduated from OCAD U’s Drawing & Painting program in 2023 and has already achieved his first major goal post graduation – participating in The Artist Project showcase. 

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If these walls could talk

Discover the diverse journeys of our alumni, showcasing innovation and artistic exploration. These narratives speak volumes about the lasting impact our alums have on the creative community. Thank you to our alums for their generous support and for being the driving force behind our rich legacy of creativity.

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Class notes

“My time at OCAD University was invaluable; surrounded by talented artists and designers, I found the freedom to explore my creativity fully and felt at home in a community that shares my passion and drive. It was a place where inspiration flowed freely, and every day deepened my love for art and design.” 

 

Fernando Ciccotosto
(BDES, Graphic Design, 2010)

"My time at OCAD U was an incredibly positive experience, largely because of the friendships I formed within this vibrant, creative community. The bonds we built through shared passions continue to enrich my life, as many of us remain close friends to this day. Now, working as an employee here feels like a full-circle moment—staying connected to a place that shaped me both personally and professionally. It’s inspiring to be part of this community from a new perspective, supporting the next generation of creatives."

 

Christine Magsalay
(BA, Integrated Media, 2005)

 

"My advice is to soak it all in! The world of OCAD U is full of interesting creatives that will open your eyes to new possibilities. You will be surprised at how often you choose to apply what you learn in the working world. The important lessons I learned while at OCA have lasted throughout my career. Learning core design principles and gaining that important understanding of interplay takes a lifetime to master, but if you work with solid core grounding principles you will be rewarded with outcomes that continue to expand your joy of art and design."

 

Sarah Currie
(Communication & Design, OCA)

"OCAD U was a fantastic and challenging experience! The amazing cohort of teachers in the Drawing and Painting faculty pushed me to explore my artistic capabilities and I wouldn't be where I am today without their foundational support. My advice to current students is to get out of your comfort zone and it is okay to take a leap to try something new - even if it is scary."

 

Sarah Zanchetta
(BFA, Drawing & Painting, 2018)

"I loved my time at OCAD U so much that I’ve never left! As a student and then as an employee I have worked with all members of this amazing & creative community, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My advice to current students, immerse yourself in this incredible environment and take full advantage of the studios!"

 

 Julie Thompson
(BDES, Industrial Design, 2008)

OCAD University gave me the space and opportunity to create alongside a close-knit community of artists and designers. That environment in itself was such a tremendous resource. As a former student, I can’t stress enough the importance of collaboration and exploration: You can find so many opportunities to push your creativity in and outside the classroom.

Vibeke Silverthorne
(Advertising, Class of 2018)